3 APS Teachers Are Finalists for Prestigious National Award
Two math and one science teacher are state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Math finalists:
- Marila Mancha-Garcia of Nex-Gen Academy High School
- Tara Palomares of Sandia High School
Science finalist:
- Lesha Harenberg of Eldorado High School
A fourth finalist is a math teacher from Laguna-Acoma High School.
State finalists represent the most outstanding teachers New Mexico has to offer and serve as both a model and an inspiration to students and fellow teachers.
Each year, a national committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district-level personnel and classroom teachers recommends up to 108 teachers to receive PAEMST awards.
Up to two teachers—mathematics or science—from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Territories and schools operated in the United States and overseas by the Department of Defense Education Activity receive the award.
Teachers who are selected as PAEMST awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, a presidential certificate, and join an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence state/jurisdiction and national STEM teaching.